Elegance in Tradition: A DBS Filipino Christmas Celebration

As the President of Davao Bloggers Society, organizing our annual Christmas party was no small task. This year, the theme was "Elegance in Tradition: A DBS Filipino Christmas Celebration," a perfect blend of modern Filipiniana style and timeless traditions. With everything we’ve gone through in recent years, I wanted this year’s celebration to be grand.

Planning for this celebration began way back in August. We wanted it to be something special, especially since this marks my last term as president of the society. Looking back at our journey, it feels like just yesterday when we were struggling to keep things afloat during the pandemic. But after everything—the challenges, the setbacks, and the endless planning—we’re finally back on our feet. The sense of pride and fulfillment from seeing everyone come together for this celebration is truly indescribable.

One of the things I was most excited about was the dress code: modern Filipiniana. It’s a beautiful way to honor our roots while embracing a modern take on traditional fashion. For my outfit, I decided to break the norm. I wore a bespoke men’s barong, but with a twist: a butterfly sleeve—something you usually see on women’s outfits—on just one shoulder. The asymmetry was intentional, symbolizing how tradition can evolve while staying true to its roots. Instead of pairing the barong with matching pants, I opted for a long skirt to create a more contemporary and bold look. It was my way of showing that tradition doesn’t have to be rigid; it can be playful, experimental, and personal.

I wasn't the only one who got creative with their outfits. Some of my favorite looks of the night included Glenn's indigenous ensemble, which was nothing short of stunning. His outfit showcased how we can take traditional elements and make them modern without losing their meaning. Raff, on the other hand, took things up a notch with his obi-woven belt and chain accents—two distinct styles fused together in such a fresh way. Kirby looked sharp in a sleek Nino Franco design, while Bien amazed us with her modern Filipina jumpsuit. Sarah made a bold statement with a classic bolero paired with see-through pants, and Athina’s woven dress by Bamba Limon was a beautiful tribute to our cultural craftsmanship.

But aside from the fashion, the night was filled with warm memories. It was also the time when the Davao Blog Awards took place, and I had the honor of being nominated for Best Personal Blog and Cebu Pacific Davao Blogger of the Year. While I didn’t win, it was an amazing experience to be recognized alongside so many talented bloggers in our community. The journey, for me, has never been about winning, but about the growth and connection I’ve found with people who share the same passion for content creation and storytelling.

I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge my incredible co-officers: Clea, NepC, Pau, Jade, Athina, and Jexx, who were so hands-on throughout the planning process. Their commitment and hard work were invaluable in making this event a success. From getting suppliers on board to ensuring everything ran smoothly, their efforts truly made a difference. Special shoutout to our Special Events Director, Jexx, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring everything together and make this celebration unforgettable. It wouldn’t have been the same without their dedication and teamwork.

I also want to express my deepest gratitude to our amazing sponsors and co-presenters for making this event possible. Their trust in my vision and belief in DBS played a huge role in the success of the celebration. A big thank you to PLDT Home, foodpanda, and Cebu Pacific Air for being our co-presenters. We are also incredibly grateful for our amazing sponsors: Home Credit, Nustar Hotel, Home Crest Hotel, Xiaomi, Maya, Smart, Power Mac Center, Ripple8, Asus PH, Honor, Club Samal, DM&A, URC, Travel Club, DC Shoes, Metrobank, Uratex, Malagos Garden Resort, Seda Hotels, Coca-Cola, NCCC Malls, SM Supermalls, Red Planet Philippines, Centaur, Comco, Mang Inasal, Hatasu, Yamaha, and Apo ni Lola Delicacies. Additionally, we received wonderful support from Starbucks, My SkinOrigins, Barracks Barbers & Shaves, Rooftop Cafe Bar, iScreamery Davao, Bawk Bawk Chicken, and Core Mirrories Davao. Their generous support made all the difference, and we couldn’t have asked for better partners.

As I reflect on this event, it’s hard not to feel a little emotional. This is my final term as DBS president, and while I know it’s time for new leadership to take the reins, I will always cherish the memories and accomplishments we’ve achieved together. Through the highs and lows, the Davao Bloggers Society has always been about unity, perseverance, and a shared love for creating and sharing our stories. And as we close this chapter, I’m excited to see what’s next for this amazing community of content creators.

Looking back at the struggles we’ve overcome, from the challenges posed by the pandemic to the moments of doubt, it’s heartwarming to see how far we've come. The strength of this group, the support we give each other, and the passion we all share for what we do has been the fuel that keeps us going. No matter where this journey takes us next, I’m confident that the Davao Bloggers Society will continue to grow, inspire, and make a mark in the world of blogging and beyond.